The socio-environmental restoration project of Morro de Moravia implemented by the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Joint Office UNESCOSOST Colombia (TDEA-UPC) and RECNET was able to articulate a model of transformative project where local and international universities have worked together with the Public Administration.
The project started with the aim of resolving the environmental problem caused by polluted effluents (leachate) issued by municipal solid waste found in this old dump of Medellin, through the implementation and use of appropriate technologies, based on natural treatment systems, remediation and management of runoff water: Constructed Wetlands and Buffer Strips. The main achievements and profits in the project are as follows:
Sustainable Sanitation using appropriate technologies based on natural treatment systems and improving the quality of life for residents.
Participatory process with multiple stakeholders and institutions.
Training and integration of interdisciplinary teams.
Promoting citizen participation through the “Moravia Week” workshops.
Wide dissemination and communication of the transformation process.
The transformation of socio-environmental project in Moravia has been honored by the ANSPE, as one of the top 20 initiatives to overcome poverty in Colombia during 2013.
One of the key aspects of this project has been the creation of the Moravia Group of Community Gardens (GJCM), which in April 2014 was established as a COJARDICOM corporation. This group was formed by the Joint Office UNESCOSOST Colombia (TDEA-UPC). The GJCM was established as an educational, social and gender work tool, with the women from the community for the transformation of the garbage dump in a flower garden, a new icon of the city of Medellín.
The project in Moravia therefore is based on the participatory dynamics, focused on building local development and promote entrepreneurship.
